KEEPINGBrothers Primary Endorsements

Most people have no idea who to vote for as they work down the ballot. So I thought I'd list my endorsements for Tuesday's Democratic Ballot. Just to be transparent, I read about many of these candidates in The Independent and got a lot of my talking points from there after double checking on other websites.

President:
BARACK OBAMA - I've written extensively about my support for Obama. While I believe Clinton would be an admirable candidate. She's smart, tough and capable of leading and tackling the range of difficult issues facing our nation. However, her vote to authorize the war in Iraq coupled with Obama's ability to rise above politics and unite America made my decision to support Obama easy. I like Obama not only because my alignment with him on his policy ideas – repealing Bush’s tax cuts for wealthy, closing corporate loop holes, addressing our environment, making health care affordable and available for all Americans, repealing no child left behind (Bush's counterproductive education plan), and renegotiating NAFTA to protect the environment, American workers and acknowledge we are in a global economy. However, I also like Obama (specifically over Clinton) because of his proven judgment (he was right on Iraq when so many were wrong), political courage and hopeful vision for America. He has an unmatched ability to motivate and mobilize millions of Americans eager for change. I really believe that he transcends politics more than any candidate in recent history. He is challenging us to lift ourselves out of the ugliness that consumes Washington, where the heart of the argument and common good matters more than the political points scored. His recent stance on the gas tax is a great example of this political courage. He is running on what is best to put America on a new path.

US Senate:
JIM NEAL - Neal is the underdog candidate against Kay Hagan for the nomination to challenge Elizabeth Dole. Let's put it on the table - Neal is openly gay. Unfortunately, that may hurt his chances in NC. But lets be honest, on the issues Neal is the clear progressive choice. Neal opposed the US Invasion of Iraq, supports universal health care, is against capital punishment, wants to scrap No Child Left Behind (Bush's counterproductive education system), end Bush's irresponsible tax cuts for the wealthy, advocates conservation in his energy plan in addition to alternative-source energy. I have to admit the more moderate Kay Hagan stands a better chance at defeating Dole, but the country would sure benefit from Neal if NC could every tilt more progressive.

US Congressional District:
Raleigh-District 13: BRAD MILLER - One of the rising stars in NC (actually he's been around a while). I was real sorry to see he didn't run for Senate. I think we may see him challenge Richard Burr in 2010. He has an opponent but should have no problems winning.

Charlotte-District 9: Harry Taylor - I had to dig into the candidate websites to make a call here. Taylor is running against Ross Overby. On the issues, Taylor is much more dedicated to ending the war in Iraq, and advocates that we are all accountable for each other. A worldview I advocate. Plus Harry Taylor has the endorsement of the Labor Council, State NOW endorsement, and Progressive Democrats of America, a national organization.

Governor:
BEV PERDUE - This was a hard decision. I have been completely turned off by the negative campaign both candidates have been running. Both are rich, middle-of-the-road Democrats, who are entrenched in the political system. My decision broke for Perdue because of her work on the state's Health and Wellness Trust Fund, work to keep NC Military Bases from closing, reputation as a hard worker and endorsement by the state teachers' association.

Lieutenant Governor:
DAN BESSE- There are two progressives running for Lt. Governor, Dan Besse and Hampton Dellinger. Either choice would be good for NC, but Besse's work on Environmental Issues was the deciding factor. I believe Dellinger, the "good-looking candidate" is better equiped to influence policy, and would eventually make a better Governor. However, as Lt. Governor he would have little influence, so I'm going with Besse's long history of fighting for education, health care, mass transit and especially the environment.

Auditor:
BETH WOOD - Wood is a Certified Public Accountant whose career in state government makes her more qualified than her opponent Fred Aikens.

Insurance Commissioner:
WAYNE GOODWIN - This is the man who will be passing regulation down on my industry. Our retiring commissioner J. Long has groomed Goodwin to take over and I like Goodwin's promise to be a consumer advocate who will defend the agency's authority to se rates for auto insurance. Insurers have a right to profit, but since auto insurance is mandatory for drivers, such profits are properly subject to regulation.

Commissioner of Labor:
MARY FANT DONNAN - I'd miss seeing Cherie Berry's name on all the elevators in NC, but Donnan has the endorsment of the AFL-CIO and brings a strong record of public service. She served 7 years as an aide and director of policy research under former Labor Commissioner Harry Payne. I believe this makes her qualified. This is a very important position. We want to make our workplaces safe across NC manufacturing facilities and construction job sites.

Superintendent of Education:
EDDIE DAVIS - Long time Durham teacher with 30-plus year commitment to serving disadvantaged and minority students, and 8 years on the State Board of Education. This position has very limited power.

Treasure:
JANET COWELL - Review of her record indicates NC State Senator Cowell has the integrity and financial know-how needed to make prudent investments with the $78 billion of retirement funds on behalf of Gov't workers and teachers. Cowell, holds an MBA, speaks Chinese, and was a member of the Sierra Clib and progressive in over-hauling the city's waste management programs to improve recycling. She's a leader on environmental issues pushing for legislation while in the Senate requiring gov't buildings to be energy efficent.

NC Court of Appeals:
JAMES A. (Jim) Wynn
KRISTIN RUTH (Definitely not John Tyson)